Clement Cooper

Artist, Curator, Publisher, Community worker

Archived

Approved: 06.11.2006

Clement Cooper is a creative based in Manchester. He approaches photography as a cohesive whole, from taking and then printing the photographic image, curating, facilitating workshops, musical composition, DVD authoring, printing, design including archiving. He lectures extensively and works in close collaboration with his subjects, taking considerable time to develop relationships.

Biography

Clement Cooper is a creative based in Manchester. He approaches photography as a cohesive whole, from taking and then printing the photographic image, curating, facilitating workshops, musical composition, DVD authoring, printing, design including archiving. He lectures extensively and works in close collaboration with his subjects, taking considerable time to develop relationships. In recent years soundtrack has played a crucial role in the final monograph and exhibition presentation. Stunning use of deep chiaroscuro combined with texture, tone and an eye for detail are characteristic of his vision. His publications: PRESENCE, DEEP & PRIMARY have all received critical acclaim and his shows have toured throughout the UK as well as internationally. He has for the last 12 years been working on a major book project involving British born Muslims. The first part of this work, SISTERS, was displayed and published in 2005. Soon after, Clement began travelling to cities and towns across the UK producing portraits and audio recordings for BROTHERS. To date, Clement has remained faithful to his original intentions by committing his time and energy in developing his personal vision through direct application, not theory. More importantly, by using his photography as a powerful tool to explore and then present issues others in society think too problematic to address, Clement has helped create a better atmosphere for inclusion and tolerance. His beautifully poignant and haunting photographs celebrate the multi-cultural and religious diversity of the UK. Clement continued experimentation with Apple video and audio computer editing software programmes combined with traditional methods of producing silver-gelatin photographic prints to create Docu-movies, has opened up a wealth of exciting communication possibilities via the internet and Blu-Ray DVD. Use of large format cameras including the exploration of the Platinum & Palladium printing process linked to a personal interest in social and political issues, has enabled Clement to create photographs with a greater degree of certainty in the mediums ability to transcend false constructs of race, belonging and sense of identity.

1993/97. Commissioned by: Open Eye Gallery, Liverpool; Viewpoint Gallery, Salford; Ffotogallery, Cardiff; Arts Council, Manchester to begin work on project entitled DEEP People of mixed-race. Photographers' Gallery Bursary. Travelled to and lived in Jamaica for six months. Researched the Cooper family history and connection to the transatlantic slave trade.

1989/92. Sun Life Photography Award. Awarded Arts Council Publication Grant, North West Arts Board. Research & Development Grants to enhance new darkroom, film developing, print processing and medium format camera skills.

1983/12. Commissioned by the Documentary Photographic Archive, Manchester to photograph and record aspects of life within the African-Caribbean communities of Moss Side, Rusholme, Hulme & Longsight, Manchester. Produced exhibition and publication entitled PRESENCE.